Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy and delicious meal that your whole family will love. It’s a one-pot dish packed with flavors and nutrients. The slow cooker makes it super simple to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. This recipe combines tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and hearty brown rice, topped with melting cheese. It’s a great way to get a nutritious meal on the table without much fuss.

How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the brown rice and chicken broth.
2. Add the cubed chicken, broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Greek yogurt (if using) and let it melt into the casserole.
6. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting dinner!

How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

You can serve this casserole warm straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For an extra touch, consider offering additional cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, for garnish.

How to store Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Make sure to use brown rice as it holds up better in the slow cooker compared to white rice.
• You can use frozen broccoli florets if fresh isn’t available; just add them in towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast; just add it in when you’re ready to stir in the cheese.

Variation

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also switch the cheese varieties according to your taste. To make it a bit spicier, add some red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
It’s best to stick with brown rice for this recipe, as it cooks well in the slow cooker and absorbs the flavors better.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your chicken broth does not contain gluten.

Can I make this casserole in the oven?
Yes, you can prepare it in a baking dish. Mix all ingredients and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until everything is cooked through.

Slow Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A nutritious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and hearty brown rice topped with melted cheese, perfect for family dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups brown rice Use brown rice for better texture.
• 2 cups chicken broth Ensure it is gluten-free if necessary.
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed Can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melt into the casserole before serving.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add for extra flavor.
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Optional for creaminess.
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a slow cooker, combine the brown rice and chicken broth.
2. Add the cubed chicken, broccoli florets, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
2. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Greek yogurt (if using) and let it melt into the casserole.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of green salad or crusty bread. Consider adding fresh herbs for garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.